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04 January 2021 | Story Igno van Niekerk | Photo Francois van Vuuren (iFlair)
Anton Roodt

 The Afrikaans words, weerlose meganika, can be roughly translated as ‘vulnerable mechanics’. If you do not know the exact meaning of this, rest assured, you are not alone. At least one person does. Anton Roodt of Roodt Architects has been summoning a storm of positive reviews in the literary world with his debut offering, which is neither an environmentally friendly building nor creative historical restoration for which he is renowned, but a book.

Weerlose meganika was written as part of the requirements for Roodt’s fourth MA degree – all obtained at the University of the Free State (UFS), where the Roodts have been part of the UFS family for three generations. Anton’s father was the Head of the department of Architecture, and his son recently completed his studies in the same department. His wife, Zarine, has been involved as lecturer and research fellow in the Department of Communication Science. Roodt’s wide spectrum of interests shows in the variety of his MA degrees (Architecture, Town and Regional Planning, Environmental Management, and now – Creative Writing).

Roodt, renowned for his creativity and innovative manner of working, has barely stepped into the world of literature; yet the book, published by Tafelberg Publishers, is being described in words probably never used by critics: “verrassend vernuwend” (surprisingly refreshing), “baldadig,” (which I can only translate as ‘wildly playful’), and nostalgic science fiction.

In a Zoom conversation, Roodt shared that he wrote mostly in his spare time. Many hours of study in the buzz of architecture classrooms taught him to focus anywhere and anytime. According to Roodt, the chapters that had to be removed in the final edits of Weerlose meganika comprise sufficient material for a second book. 

Anton and his son, Leon-Pierre, both worked on the cover of Weerlose meganika: Anton designed it and Leon-Pierre was responsible for the graphics. Although publishers usually prefer to appoint their own designers, Tafelberg liked and kept the design as presented. This was no surprise, as design is not new to Anton who, as a student, was involved in the design of rag posters. During a particular rag, he realised that the poster design was extremely successful, as about 90% of them were stolen by students from lampposts and other areas. 

Roodt’s recipe for success? He is naturally curious and wants to learn more about many things. This allows him to connect with interesting people such as his fellow students and lecturers (Dr Francois Smith and Prof Henning Pieterse) in the Creative Writing course, where they kept on pushing each other to improve their work. It is clear that Roodt is on a lifelong journey of learning. And, in case you are wondering – yes, he recently started his PhD studies. At the UFS, of course.

When I asked Anton about the strange title, Weerlose meganika, he explained that he has always been fascinated by juxtapositions. He loves bringing seemingly unrelated elements together. 

Looking at the reviews, he has been successful once again. 

*** If you are curious to know more, Weerlose meganika is available at most bookstores, as well as online.

News Archive

UFS registration process is proceeding well
2011-01-11

Ms Belinda Venter and her daughter, Stacey Venter, second year student in Consumer Sciences, registering online with the help of Donovan Nell, student assistant and currently a third-year student in Computer Sciences at the UFS.
- Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

The university implemented an online registrations process for senior students this year. “We are one of the first universities in the country where students can do the entire registration process online themselves. The advantage of this new turn in the registration process at the university is that students can register from the comfort of their homes or even from any place in the world,” says Prof. Niel Viljoen, Vice-Rector: Operations at the UFS.

Senior students who experienced problems during the registration programme from 1 November 2010 to 4 January 2011, have the opportunity to, within a programme, address these problems as from 5-12 January 2011. During this period UFS staff members will be available to assist students to register electronically.

However, senior students can still register online after 12 January until 28 January 2011.

The registration process of first-time entering first-year students is also proceeding well. Although a large number of applications for late registration have been received, it can be handled without difficulty.

First-year students are welcomed by Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS, on Friday, 14 January and Saturday 15 January 2011 at 09:00 in the Callie Human Centre.

From 17- 21 January 2011, first-year students will receive academic advice at the Callie Human Centre, where after they will be referred for self-registration. These processes will take place according to the scheduled timetable, which appears in the Kovsie Guide. The Kovsie Guide was sent to first-year students, and is also available on the UFS webpage (www.ufs.ac.za/register2011).

The registration process for the Qwaqwa Campus is from 17-21 January 2011 for first-time entering first-year students and from 17-28 January 2011 for senior students.

According to personnel at the registration help desk, the following problems are reported the most frequently:

  • Forgotten or expired passwords: Students are requested to contact 051 401 2442 to report this problem.
  • Outstanding registration fees, which lead to the specific student’s account being blocked: Students are requested to contact 051 401 2806 for help in this regard.
  • If information regarding module codes is required, the relevant faculty can be visited for academic advice.


Classes on the Main and Qwaqwa Campuses will start on Monday, 24 January 2011.

 

Media Release
11 January 2011
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication (actg)
Tel: 051  401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za

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